The Columbia Association board of directors last week backed off a vote to oppose future development of Symphony Woods, in downtown Columbia, in favor of one to allow CA staff to discuss limited development of land the association owns in the wooded parcel.

The July 24 vote comes in the midst of a process in which General Growth Properties Inc., downtown Columbia's primary landowner, is readying to submit to county officials a master plan to guide Town Center's redevelopment over the next 30 years.

As part of that plan, General Growth is proposing to create an "arts district," centered on Merriweather Post Pavilion, that would include Symphony Woods, which surrounds the pavilion. The arts district would include new civic buildings and roads in and around the pavilion.

According to General Growth's plan, a portion of the district would be built on 36 acres CA owns in Symphony Woods. The CA board would need to approve any project General Growth would build on CA-owned property in the woods.

The board had been set to vote on a motion to oppose the construction of buildings on CA-owned property in Symphony Woods.

However, after listening to two hours of public discussion on the matter July 24, it voted to allow CA staff to discuss with officials of General Growth the issue of partially developing Symphony Woods.

While some residents who testified at the meeting supported development in the woods, others wanted to ensure that the area remains a forested park.

In deciding to support the discussion of limited construction in Symphony Woods, the CA board created five guidelines to govern the redevelopment of the park. They are:

* Restore and maintain a vibrant ecosystem in Symphony Woods;

* Create a place for community events where people can gather;

* Make Merriweather Post Pavilion an exciting and active destination;

* Limit roads or buildings in Symphony Woods to a scale that fits the park;

* Make Symphony Woods accessible to the rest of Columbia through pathways.

CA staff and officials of General Growth plan to discuss Symphony Woods development at a meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 5, said CA board chairman Thomas O'Connor, of Dorsey's Search.

The proposed arts district is part of General Growth's larger plan to add 5,500 new residences, a million square feet of retail space, nearly 5 million square feet of office space, 640 hotel rooms and 265,000 square feet of cultural and civic space to Town Center over the next three decades.

Company officials are slated to submit the plan to county officials for approval in August.

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